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Saturday, March 14, 2015

Being Together

I woke up with a sombre mood one Saturday morning. Not
Monday, but Saturday, and that’s pretty unnatural you would say. I agree to
some extent. However, often circumstances invite negativity along with them, spoiling
our mood irrespective of what day it is.

How does weekend matter when you know you didn’t perform
well in your last examination? Add to it living all alone in a new place, away
from your family. Telephonic conversations can’t be used as a substitute all the time when
you need a motivating pat on your back or a caring hand on your shoulder.
Moreover, on a bad day like this, they make you feel lonelier once the
conversation is over.

I still remember that day. It was raining incessantly,
the roads were waterlogged and I was slated to be confined to my rented room
for the whole day, which made matters worse. I had planned to go out, meet a
few friends and relax, but I guessed that wasn’t on the cards. I was walking
towards the kitchen to make myself a cup of tea, when I heard a faint knock on
the door. Perhaps it was the sound of rain, but no, it seemed more like nails
scratching on a hard surface. I opened the door but could see no
one. I was about to close it when luckily my eyes turned towards the
floor. I use the word ‘luckily’ ‘cause what I witnessed played a vital role in
making my day pleasant and memorable.

A kitten, tiny, white, and fluffy like cotton, was staring at me
with its little green eyes.

I picked up the kitten and brought it inside. Perhaps she
needed shelter from the rain outside, and had somehow come across my doorstep.
At least, I had some company now to spend my time.

I took out the milk carton from the refrigerator and
poured some on a bowl for my little guest. I placed it before it. The kitten
retraced a few steps, may be out of fear. I caressed the top of its head to
assure that there was nothing to worry. I was only a friend. Animals
understand the language of love. The kitten stepped forward, and started
licking the milk. I felt a sudden feeling of warmth and goodness within me. I
sat besides my new buddy, watching it drink.

At times, the kitten would raise its head, look at
me, and then again go back to its food. After it had fully satisfied itself,
it walked towards me, and jumped on my lap. I never had a pet, and this was
only my first close acquaintance with an animal (if you ignore the incidents of
dogs barking at me and chasing me on roads). The kitten then
inched towards my hands, and started licking them. I had never experienced a
love of this kind before. I tickled its tummy, it ran and then returned to me.

We spent the entire evening playing. The rain finally
stopped, and I heard the mew of a cat outside. The kitten jumped as soon as it
heard the sound, and ran towards the door. I opened the door, and saw a white
cat sitting. The kitten seemed leaped in delight, and sped towards the
cat. I guessed it was probably the mother, and what better scene can there be
than a mother – child union?

The two walked away, playing and jumping and running. I
kept looking at them, until they were no longer in sight. I was feeling happy,
and at peace. All worries of morning seemed to have evaporated. I was bathed
with a dawn of optimism and positivity. After all, I spent the entire day with
a new friend. Being #together is powerful, and it’s the best thing one can
have. Trust me.